Full Description
"America needs a new educational vision. Shift Ed provides a clear vision that emphasizes the essential ingredients of a 21st-century education based upon creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Houle and Cobb make a great case that nothing less than transformation will be enough."
—Dan Pink, Author
"As an educator, I highly recommend this book on the transformation of K-12 education. Old ways, repeating the past, and no change are hallmarks of a broken system? Shift Ed outlines the case for building a new system of K-12 education."
—Jerry Ice, President and CEO, Graduate School, Washington D.C.
"The strength of this book is the strong case the authors make for change. They point out how our nation is falling behind in the quest for global supremacy and outline the changes needed to correct that problem."
—Randel Beaver, Superintendent, Archer City ISD, TX
A comprehensive guide to transforming American schools
Futurist David Houle and educational strategist Jeff Cobb issue a "call to action" to everyone who is concerned about education in America. The book begins with a helpful background on the roots of American education, the current landscape, and the forces that are driving transformation. This background supports the author's case that reinventing our system is inevitable and we already have the information and capabilities to make the necessary changes. Shift Ed challenges us to ask the right questions, expand our vision, and take action now. The book includes an overview of the educational system and expert opinions on key areas, including:
Technology and connectivity
Organizational behavior
Curriculum
Learning and the brain
Infrastructure and the physical plant
Shift Ed is more than a book for educators. Its message is critical for policy makers, school superintendents, education foundation executives, and parents who want to know the facts and be prepared to take the decisive action our children deserve.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. A Quick Look Back
The Agricultural Age
The Industrial Age
The Information Age
American Childhood Education Through the Ages
2. The Current Landscape of Education in America
A System Out of Sync
Not Your Forefather's College
Learning - and Relearning - to Work
Holding Our Own in the Global Classroom
Facing the Issues and Shifting the Vision
Change Visions: From Train to Rocket
3. A Look Ahead
The Shift Age
The Twenty-First Century
2010 to 2020: The Transformation Decade
Change Visions: The Need for New
4. Generations
Baby Boomers: The Bridge Generation
Generation X: A Different Voice
Millennials: The Emerging Leaders
Digital Natives: Today's and Tomorrow's Students
Change Visions: Reconnecting
5. Why Transformation Is the Only Path
A Change in Form
A Change in Appearance
A Change in Nature
Signals From the Future
Change Visions: The New Architecture of Learning
6. Working on the Shift Ed Vision
Jim Rex
Peter Renwick
Janice Mattina
Karen Woodward
7. Ask the Right Questions
Technology and Connectivity
Calendar and Operations
Curriculum
Learning and the Brain
Infrastructure and the Physical Plant
Answering the Questions
Preparing Teachers
Your Contribution
Change Visions: Survival Skills for the Twenty-First Century
8. Expand the Vision
The New Vision of Education for the Twenty-First Century
Four Fundamentals for Twenty-First-Century Education
9. Start Now!
The Shift Ed 21
Parting - But Not Final - Words
Notes
References
Index
